As underwater camera: Perfect snorkeling companion for a small price

The Olympus TG-310 toug I have gained as a pure underwater camera.
Of course, the small compact camera came up with test images on water, not nearly to the image quality, the menu options and the shutter speed of the Lumix DMC-FZ100 DSLR camera with which I work otherwise.
My review therefore relates solely to their status as underwater camera and as such, it has - very well proven - beyond my expectations!
The choice was the TG-310 initially mainly due to the good price-performance ratio, for the otherwise very expensive U / W cameras.
For the price I expected any miracles, hoping at least while snorkeling (at max. 1-5 meters deep) with these cheap "toy camera" to snap a few decent pictures and was amazed by the consistently good results!

Especially postitiv:

- Good value for money for a U / W camera.

- According to the manufacturer a Waterproof to 3 meters is promised. However, in practice they coped even several times 5-7 meters without any problems without water penetration.

- Shutter lag is present, but less than many other compact cameras, what is important about being able to (fish etc.) to capture fast-moving subjects.

- The image stabilizer worked exceptionally well, it was hardly ever recorded blurry images.

- The flash mode falls in most cases the right decision, which one facilitates handling by not constantly manually the flash on or off must if you just want to quite comfortably shoot a few pictures, or any great photo experience brings.

- The camera's Underwater Mode allows great color fidelity for underwater shots and limited the Blue Stitch to a minimum.

- Even the light sensitivity can be set to a U / W mode, which even in weaker light conditions (eg greater depth, poor sight ....) Still provides good results.

- The menu is built up simple and self-explanatory.

- The camera is light, handy and all keys are even with soggy fingers underwater still easy to operate.

Negatives:

- The battery time is (being worked on when using the flash) is very limited. Here it is recommended to possibly (at least) to buy a replacement battery.

- The battery can not externally, but are only loaded into the camera. A charger is however (contrary to other claims) of course included!

- Unfortunately, it is not possible images recorded as RAW format. Subsequent Bearbeutung the images in appropriate programs that are very hilfrei just in the U / W Photography, characterized is unfortunately very limited. Here we see the difference from professional U / W cameras, which for amateur clippers can be neglected but.

- The limited Waterproof (3m) is it similar only for snorkeling suitable. As a companion on dives at greater depths over a longer period, it comes to expensive alternatives not around.

Conclusion:
All in all, the Olympus is a perfect companion for anyone who wants to make beautiful underwater shots, without having to spend a fortune for professional cameras or housing.
She is a good beginner's camera for beginners when it comes to U / W Photography, with great success factor also for beginners and an excellent alternative to disposable U / W cameras, the cost in the long run a lot of money, much worse deliver results and also produce tons of waste!
Professional photos are certainly not to be expected and the weak battery life is a little annoying, but nevertheless: Thumbs up!

Four stars for the Olympus Tough TG-310!